Brandon,
I don't think there is a simple answer to your question. Trigonometry is a
powerful mathematical tool that finds lots of different uses in a wide range
of situations, so the best idea would be to try to learn as much about basic
ideas as you can, work lots of problems applying trig in different
situations, then be ever watchful for opportunities to employ these skills.
To help you with some first steps along the way.. here is a link to a really
good site that explains the basics in a way that I think is very
understandable. I hope it helps.
http://aleph0.clarku.edu/~djoyce/java/trig/
and this is a trig memory device that some of my students think is helpful
http://www.geocities.com/poetsoutback/magichex.htm
-Pat Ballew, for the Teacher2Teacher service